Saturday was hottest February day since 2012, similar conditions to prevail till Tuesday
Representational Image. Courtesy: Alrai.com
Mumbai recorded the highest temperature for February in the last five years on Saturday, as temperatures rose to 38.8 degrees Celsius in the morning.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)’s Santacruz observatory recorded a temperature of 38.8 degrees Celsius on Saturday morning, 8.3 degrees Celsius above normal.
The Colaba observatory, meanwhile, recorded a temperature of 38.2 degrees, 8.6 degrees Celsius above normal. The humidity levels at Santacruz and Colaba were 34 percent and 70 percent respectively.
In comparison, the city saw a maximum temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius on Friday.
The night temperatures were also higher than average, with Santacruz recording a minimum temperature of 19.6 degrees Celsius, 1.4 above normal, while Colaba recorded 23.8 degrees Celsius, 2.7 degrees above normal.
The temperature equalled that of February 23, 2015, which saw the exact same reading. The highest temperature in the recent past was recorded on February 22, 2012, when mercury levels rose to a 39.1 degrees Celsius.
The all-time hottest February day was February 25, 1966, when a maximum temperature of 39.6 degrees Celsius was recorded.
According to an IMD official, warm winds from eastern parts have led to the rise in temperature. The temperature levels are likely remain above 35 degrees Celsius till Tuesday and expected to start falling from Wednesday.
Last month, the temperatures rose to 36 degrees Celsius on January 23, making it the second warmest day since 2010.
Research indicates that the global rise in temperature will also have a significant impact on Mumbai, with the city losing half of its mild weather days by the year 2100.
